My hero, my Dad, Pat Quinn (Sept. 12, 1925 – Oct. 14, 2018), moved to Heaven today. Dad was a man full of passion, integrity, honor, laughter, kindness, joy and love. As a child, he worked hard on the farm with his brothers Glen and Morris, waking up at 4:30 a.m. before school to milk the cows. He had an amazing work ethic and was an excellent provider for his family, whom he greatly loved. He won awards in track and football, was an avid hunter and fisherman, was a Golden Gloves boxer (he had amazing self-control on keeping his cool, even when provoked he would not hit or harm other people), and he also doubled for Mickey Rooney in movies. However, his greatest accomplishment was being a wonderful person and a dad who showed nothing but love and kindness.
Dad spent almost four years of his life in Regency’s memory care and was one of the staff’s favorite residents. He loved to laugh, dance and sing just so he could put a smile on peoples faces. He was always able to share his stories and communicate his heart up to the last month of his life.
As long as I can remember, my Dad would make up songs from his heart and sing them. My boys have that fabulous gift and when we all go camping they get out their guitars and harmonica and make up songs and sing around the campfire. Something that their grandpa would be very proud of. Dad would make up songs and sing them to the caregivers in hopes of getting them to smile. Up to just a couple months ago, if they had on music Dad liked, he would often dance with one of the staff. If he was angry he would say, “I don’t like that A-TALL!” or “To hell with that noise!”
I had the wonderful privilege of spending about two hours with him every morning for breakfast and often taking him out to dinner. On the way to Caitie’s wedding on Aug. 10, 2013, Dad said to Mike and me, “If I have a hard time thinking with my brain, I use my heart.” You are going to be terribly missed Dad. You had a heart of gold and believed the best regarding most people, especially your own family. Till I get there, have a dance in heaven for me. You will always live within my heart. I will always love you, from here to heaven and back! I know Dad, regarding your walk on planet earth you would say, “I’m just passin’ through!”
The heavens opened up and the angels come down and the King of all Glory is here to give you a crown. He’s watched your heart, and the theme of your life, which was to bring “A little bit of heaven and a little bit of happiness into other people’s lives.” I love you, Dad!
